Business was the order of a breakfast meeting recently at Borough Hall in Brooklyn where members of Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce Inc. (CACCI) culled problem solvers and experts in various professions to aid victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The resourceful morning session attracted residents of New York and New Jersey affected by Hurricane Sandy since Oct. 27.
Members of the organization banded to help Caribbean nationals and displaced nationals who were affected when water and wind shattered the lives of thousands.
A panel of experts flooded information that will speed recovery and perhaps lessen anxiety for many who are finding difficulty maneuvering through the bureaucracy of government.
“We need a faith lift,” Rev. Dennis Dillon said.
“Now is when organizations are important,” Roy Hastick, president and CEO of CACCI said. He added that the organization he founded stands ready to help provide opportunities for the needy to tap into the $30 billion Gov. Andrew Cuomo has earmarked for reparations.
He joined with others to emphasize that exploitation is prevalent and everyone should be wary of spurious individuals.
Representatives from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce bolstered hopes by providing answers to many of the queries of concern.
Does the IRS provide tax relief?
What if I am employed by a business that suffered damage?
What services does the city and state provide?
What do I do if my business suffered damage that is not covered by insurance?
A fact sheet provided responses to those and a myriad of other questions.
Application for filing for disaster loans were in abundance. Filing deadline date for physical damage is Dec. 31. For economic injury, the deadline is July 31, 2013.
Temporary work space at 25 Elm St. is available immediately through the end of the year.
According to Carlo A. Scissura, president of the BCC “Together we can help businesses rebuild bigger and better than before and continue to make Brooklyn the wonderful place we all know it is.”
Scissura said he can be reached directly at 917-622-4063 or by email at cscissura@brooklynchamber.com
A web portal is also available to provide relief to small business. Log on to www.ibrooklyn.com/sandy
